Howard - Sixways is the place to be

10 January 2014 12:30pm

By Tom Vale

Academy youngster Ben Howard believes Sixways is the place to be after signing a full-time contract with Warriors earlier this week.

Along with Max Stelling and senior stars Chris Pennell and Alex Grove, the 20-year-old has committed himself to Warriors as the club looks to build in order to reach the top end of the Aviva Premiership.

He said: "I feel Warriors is the right place to be, especially for me to keep progressing as a rugby player and hopefully I can start playing more for the first-team.

"One of the main reasons in me staying is because of the direction in which the club is going.You can definitely see the plan that Dean and the other coaches have highlighted.

"This club means a lot to me. I joined straight out of school so it's all I have known. I've made some really close friends, not just the players but people around the club and I love it here."

With senior stars Pennell and Grove having signed new contracts last month, Howard believes their commitment to Warriors is a statement of where the club is heading and he paid tribute to the Warriors centurions.

He added: "Chris is my immediate mentor and you look at the way he has been playing this year and it's a great inspiration for me to not only see that he has committed his future to the club, but also that I get to learn directly from him every day.

"Chris and Alex are two senior guys who have taken the path as I am taking now, and it is great to see them wanting to stay at the club.

"Being here in six or seven years' time and playing over 100 matches is something I definitely aspire to achieve."

The full-back has made five appearances already this season and is set for more Warriors action tonight against Sale Sharks in the Amlin Challenge Cup.

He concluded: "Getting a first-team contract is what every player who is coming through the academy wants.

"Now it has to be my aim to put pressure on Chris and to take opportunities when I get them and hopefully I can impress tonight."

This week coincides with payday for many supporters and if you're looking to spend your money on pure entertainment, then why not take advantage of our Early Bird prices for Season Tickets to watch Warriors in the Aviva Premiership.